Semiprecious stones have been crafted into beads since early civilization. Formed when minerals were caught in cooling rocks and created veins, they are extracted from the rock by mining. The human need for beauty and self-adornment is as old as civilization itself. The belief in the magical properties of the stones used in adornment –attributes of peace, protection, and healing–is also ancient.

Semiprecious stones have been assigned to birth months, used as amulets and traded as currency as well as adornment in jewelry; and many are believed to have therapeutic properties which pass to the wearer. Gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are rarely drilled to make beads as this detracts from there worth.

The stones and clays from which our beads are formed come from the mysterious depths of the earth all over the world. But whatever the varied geographical or geological origin of these beautiful, tactile objects—they bring a common delight to our eyes, our minds —and our souls.

Disclaimer:

The information regarding the metaphysical and other properties and purposes of minerals are provided for entertainment and inspirational purposes only. In no way is it intended for diagnosing illness, prescription, or advice and should not replace proper medical attention. Consult your Doctor or other health care practitioner regarding health issues. Creative Bead Designs is not liable for any use or misuse of this information.

Bixbite (Red Beryl)

Bixbite (also known as red beryl, red emerald, or scarlet emerald) is a red variety of beryl, Be3(Al,Mn)2Si6O18. It is very rare, only known to occur in a few locations in the western United States and one in Mexico. Bixbite was named after Maynard Bixby.

Bixbite occurs in topaz-bearing rhyolites. It formed by crystallizing under low pressure and high temperature from a pneumatolitic phase along fractures or within miarolitic cavities and rhyolitic magmas near the surface. Minerals it is found with include bixbyite, quartz, orthoclase, topaz, spessartine garnet, pseudobrookite and hematite. The red color is thought to be from manganese substituting for aluminium in the beryl structure.

Gem-quality bixbite is very rare, and the largest faceted gemstones are less than three carats (600 mg) in size.

Bixbite, is used by intuitives and mystics to bring harmony to relationships and enhance compatibility. It is also used to strengthen creativity energy.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, was treasured in ancient times and long served as the birthstone for March. This attractive chalcedony quartz is also known as Heliotrope because in ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun: perhaps the appearance of the gem reminded the ancients of the red setting sun reflected in the ocean.

Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, leading it to also be dubbed martyr's stone. The legend of the origin of bloodstone says that it was first formed when some drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Even today, finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Perhaps that explains why today it is difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone on the market. Bloodstone is mined in India, Australia, and the United States.

It is said to help with calming, particularly in survival situations. It brings mystical energies of increasing adaptability and organization, and lessening confusion and anxiety.

Blue Calcite

Blue calcite is a calming and soothing stone. It amplifies energies, particularly in the areas of communications and thought.

Blue Chalcedony

Chalcedony is one of the cryptocrystalline varieties of the mineral quartz, having a waxy luster. Chalcedony may be semitransparent or translucent and is usually white to gray, grayish-blue or some shade of brown, sometimes nearly black. Other shades have been given different names. A clear red chalcedony is known as carnelian or sard; a green variety colored by nickel oxide is called chrysoprase. Prase is a dull green and onyx is black and white banded. Plasma is a bright to emerald-green chalcedony that is sometimes found with small spots of jasper resembling blood drops; it has been referred to as blood stone or heliotrope. Chalcedony is one of the few minerals other than quartz that is found in geodes.

The term chalcedony is derived from the name of the ancient Greek town Chalkedon in Asia Minor, in modern English usually spelled Chalcedon.

Blue chalcedony is a stone with a gentle energy that feels kind of dreamy. Physically, blue chalcedony has been used for the eyes, open sores rapid healing, alzheimers, lactation, blood, circulation, bones, spleen, and gall bladder.

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate: Blue lace agate is a beautiful, pale sky blue stone with concentric markings. It is a cryptocrystalline quartz stone. Agate is a banded chalcedony, the bands having been formed by rhythmic crystallization. Agates are found as nodules or geodes in siliceous volcanic rocks. This stone comes from southwest Africa.

Agate strengthens the power of the Sun in your astrological sign when you wear it. It helps you stay well-balanced. It sharpens the sight, illuminates the mind and helps you speak. Blue lace agate helps you develop and realize your inner peace. These stones affect the physical body, first at the densest levels, and then at the levels of some of the higher bodies as well.

As with all agates, it is a protective stone. Physically it has been used to aid with arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, growth, and bones.

Blue Peruvian Opal (Blue Andean Opal)

This relatively rare stone comes from the Andes Mountains in Peru, hence its name. It frequently contains black dendrites (fernlike inclusions). This opal presumably gets its sea-blue color from a copper mineral. Only some of the beads on each strand we carry will be this shade of blue; other beads will be pale blue-grays and earth tone colors (ivory, beige and brown), making a lovely shore-and-sea palette. Beware of false stones on the market being sold as Peruvian blue opal; they usually are dyed agate. You also might come across a washed-out whitish opal from Peruvian mines with a hint of blue-green color, which has been dyed brighter in India or China. WThe Incas supposedly cherished this stone.

It is said to improve self-esteem and self-love. It is also said to be an aid to creativity and communication of all types.

Blue Tigers Eye, which is also known as Hawks Eye, enhances integrity of communication and practical communication.

Bone, Dinosaur (Fossilized)

Petrified or Fossilized Dinosaur Bone increases energy and memory.

Botswana Agate

Botswana Agate, gets its name from the only known source of this beautiful and interesting gemstone--Botswana, Africa. A beautiful and valued agate. Botswana Agate is considered favorable to those who work with plants, trees and around water as it is thought to draw positive energies from them.

Considered an excellent feminine power stone. Thought to help bring focus on solutions and work through emotional suppressions while enhancing creativity.

Thought to counteract all manner of poisons, including emotional and spiritual poisoning

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Brecciated Jasper

Brecciated Jasper (sometimes spelled brecceated jasper or bracciated jasper) has the qualities of enhancing organizational abilities, relaxation, and a sense of wholeness. It is occasionally used to assist when dowsing. It aligns the chakras and balances the yin-yang, physical, and emotional. It is a stone of protection, and is used in particular for protection during astral travel.

Bronzite

Bronzite is a member of the pyroxene group of minerals, belonging with enstatite and hypersthene to the orthorhombic series of the group. Rather than a distinct species, it is really a ferriferous variety of enstatite, which owing to partial alteration has acquired a bronze-like sub-metallic luster on the cleavage surfaces.

Bronzite is called both a "Stone of Focused Action" and a "Stone of Courtesy". It is helpful for helping with certainty and with taking control of our actions.

Bustamite

Bustamite is best known for its energetic ability to remove and clear energy blockages.